As with any long standing society, the people of Bastion have created their own myths. Folk Tales briefs into some of the stories and mythical beliefs held by the people here. These tales have been passed over from generation to generation through oral conversations, and now have been found in libraries and archives all over Bastion.
Collection Details
A total of 9 cortex entries make reference to the Folk Tales.
The following excerpts from the folklore show the deep imagination and creativity of the people of Bastion.
The Cypher Who Wanted To Fly
See Cortex Entry: The Cypher Who Wanted To Fly for More Details
Of course there have been cyphers who wanted to be lancers. Take the old story of the cypher who wanted to fly. In Satomi, this is not just a folk tale, but a lesson to be heeded. The story goes as follows:
Benwick Xan, a brilliant cypher in his day, thought he could pilot a javelin whilst ignoring his own heightened awareness. Although his initial tests were encouraging, things were not so simple in the face of genuine danger. He hired a Freelancer to escort him into the wild; they hadn't gone three steps when they were attacked by skorpions. In the heat of battle, Benwick could not focus. He found when one of the beasts attacked, his attention was split: sensing a rise in Shaper energy to the East, picking up Arcanist distress signals, noting the rise in humidity due to recent rain, and dozens of other things that did not help at this moment. He tried to fly, but accidentally fired his cannon. He tried to fire his cannon, but instead punched a nearby rock. He had no control. Tragically, it was he and not the skorpions who killed his escort.
You see, lancer and javelin are connected to the Anthem via gateway… but it's a single connection. Slim and direct. We cyphers are already connected to the Anthem, and for us, the gateway is not direct but… engulfing. Javelins cannot possibly channel our every impulse, because our impulses are too many, too vast. The result is a disaster.
There are whispers, of course, of those in the north experimenting with the "creation" of cypher-pilots, but I have yet to see proof of whether they exist or how. 'Tis a rumor and a wish, not a reality.
— From In The Chair: Interviews with Negan Dell
The First Cypher (1)
See Cortex Entry: The First Cypher (1) for More Details
The First Cypher was lost to the music of the Anthem of Creation, and now she stands guard in the gateway, guiding cyphers who stray too far.
— Folk tale.
The First Cypher (2)
See Cortex Entry: The First Cypher (2) for More Details
It was not long after the Cataclysm that the Engineer's daughter developed strange new abilities. She could see faraway things or talk directly into another's mind. Word of her gifts spread. Soon, Arcanists arrived and presented her with a bold experiment… to help them test a device that would amplify her gift. It started with great success, but eventually met with failure. The girl's mind ventured too far from her body and became lost to the music of the Anthem of Creation. To this day, cyphers swear they glimpse the engineer's daughter while in their amplifier. first cypher, they say, watches over those who travel without moving, guiding them back from where she can never return.
— Folk tale
Anzu (1)
See Cortex Entry: Anzu (1) for More Details
The word "Anzu" is a group term for any creature formed at the dawn of creation, not of the natural world. When the Shapers departed, the Anzu were left to fend for themselves. Some survived, some did not.
Though most references to Anzu live in folk tales and children's stories, our world does have a considerable number of pre-urgoth structures. The Sunken Garden submerged in the center of Shadowmark, The Vault of Monument Watch, and The Golden Monolith of the Mirelands possess similar architecture not associated with Shapers, humans, or urgoth, and perpetuate the myth of ancient beings from long ago.
Urgoth (1)
See Cortex Entry: Urgoth (1) for More Details
Urgoth are believed to be creatures that enslaved humanity for generations until they were defeated by the Legion of Dawn. There is little direct evidence to support their actual existence. Said to stand taller than a Colossus javelin, most details about the urgoth are taken from Legion folk tales. There have been no confirmed urgoth sightings in centuries.
Sanctuary Ruins (1)
See Cortex Entry: Sanctuary Ruins (1) for More Details
Long ago, a wealthy merchant and a princess of Antium fell deeply in love. It was declared, however, that Vassa's heir must not leave Antium until her duty to the people was fulfilled. Undaunted, the merchant vowed that he would come again when she was done. Years passed, and as he waited, he rebuilt the old Sanctuary, where so many Legionnaires had fallen, into a beautiful temple that stood as a symbol of his devotion. Years past, and his hair was grey when at last he came to her again. “My love” he said, “You’re old and your duties are done. Let us be together at last.” Antium could not object. Upon seeing the home he’d made for them, the Princess shook with happiness. Hand in hand, they entered the palace with a blissful sigh, their last breaths on this earth. For though they couldn’t be together in life, they knew they would be together forever in death.
— Folk Tale
The Great Eddian
See Cortex Entry: The Great Eddian for More Details
Long ago, the graceful and majestic beast named the Eddian roamed our world. Possessing deadly horns and hooves, none dare challenge the Eddian, none save the greedy Ezurite Anzu, who found it most delicious. It hunted the Eddian until only one remained. Freelancers decided to protect the Eddian and battled the Anzu at the watering hole. The Anzu was driven off, but the Eddian was mortally wounded. As it died, plants welcomed it back to the earth, and a great tree sprung from where it lay. Freelancers still consider the Great Eddian to be in their protection, keeping their vow from long ago.
— Folk Tale
The Grabbit King
See Cortex Entry: The Grabbit King for More Details
The Hollow (4)
See Cortex Entry: The Hollow (4) for More Details
Out at sea, sometimes you hear them, those voices from beyond. You recognize lovers, dead friends, or family left behind somewhere. But you never go to them. That way lies only death, or worse. There, looking across that watery place, I heard them again, just the same.
—Fortuo sailor's tale